U.S. higher education is “going green” as colleges and universities are seeking ways to become better stewards of the environment as part of a larger mission of community service.

This issue of the Troy University Magazine takes a look at a few of our green initiatives. We profile some of our alumni who have made their marks in this area and we report on what one of our academic departments is doing to raise awareness on this issue on an international scale.

Concerns for environmental stewardship will play a major role in our Strategic Plan for Troy University for 2010-2015, which is currently being compiled. We will include an initiative to create a “paperless” university by 2015. As I told the faculty this fall, we kill far too many trees at TROY, so it’s time to seek a better, more environmentally friendly way. Our philosophy mirrors that of a famous Native American proverb that says, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors—we borrow it from our children.”

As always, the fall issue spotlights several very special Trojans, including our three alumni of the year and the honorary alumnus of the year. This year’s alumni honorees are David Morgan, Rusty Ninas and Lloyd Taylor and our honorary alumnus of the year award goes to Coach Larry Blakeney. This is an outstanding group of gentlemen and their selection reflects well upon their University.

The internationalization of the University is ongoing and in this issue we bring you an update on our study-abroad programs. We will transport you to an archeological dig in the Middle East and take you along on a cultural tour of London. Study abroad is an integral component of our vision for the University, as our students must become familiar with the cultures and customs of other nations to succeed in the global economy.

In this issue, we publish our Honor Roll of Donors as one way of publicly thanking those who have invested in Troy University over the last year. This extramural support is vital to Troy University and makes possible such capital projects such as the renovation of Bibb Graves and the building of a new arena and convocation center, as well as funding scholarships for deserving students.

Those who have shown their support for TROY will be pleased to know that in August we learned that Troy University was ranked higher than any other public university in the state of Alabama by Forbes Magazine. This ranking demonstrates to others the quality that we know exists at Troy University and is a testament to the support and dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

In closing, I will end this letter with another “going green” message, an invitation to join us March 26-27, 2010, for our annual spring reunion and St. Patrick’s Parade and celebration. I look forward to seeing you when you return to campus in March.